The Islamic Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is home to a population of approximately 28 million people approximately two-thirds of whom are Muslim! With such a large Muslim population it may come as a surprise to some that there are a small number of Christians living in the Kingdomโs borders ๐ธ๐ฆ ๏ธ .
The question of whether or not one can be Christian in Saudi Arabia is a difficult one to answer! On the one hand, Islamic law forbids the practice of any religion other than Islam within the Kingdomโs borders โ ๐ 1๏ธโฃ ๐ธ๐ฆ ๏ธ. On the other hand, there are some exceptions to this rule ๐.
For starters, non-Muslims living in the Kingdom are allowed to practice their religion in private, in the presence of only family members. This is a right granted to all residents of the country, regardless of religion ๏ธ. However, it is illegal to practice any religion publicly or to proselytize . This means that it is not possible to openly worship in public or share the Gospel with others .
Also, it is illegal to build churches, synagogues, or other places of worship โช. This means that Christian gatherings and services must take place in private or in a designated โworship areaโ belonging to a foreign embassy or consulate ๏ธ.
Despite these restrictions, there are expatriates in the Kingdom who identify as Christians . According to the most recent figures there are approximately 1 . 5 million Christians living in Saudi Arabia, most of whom are from countries like the Philippines and India ๐ฎ๐ณ ๐ธ๐ฆ ๐ต๐ญ.
These Christians typically practice their faith discreetly and without incident. There are no known cases of Christians in Saudi Arabia being persecuted for their beliefs ๐ธ๐ฆ. However it is important for those who practice any religion other than Islam to do so in private and to adhere to Saudi Arabiaโs laws and customs.
For those who wish to learn more about Christianity in Saudi Arabia, there are several resources available. There are some Bible study groups that meet privately, plethora Christian bookstores, and websites that sell Christian literature and items . While public Christian gatherings are prohibited, there are some expatriate Christian groups that meet informally to discuss their faith and share fellowship .
In conclusion, while it is possible to be a Christian in Saudi Arabia, the practice of the faith must be done discreetly and in accordance with the laws of the Kingdom. It is important to respect the laws of the country and not attempt to practice Christianity publicly . For those who wish to explore Christianity in Saudi Arabia, there are some resources available, although these must be sought out discreetly, and with caution ๐ธ๐ฆ. โฆ .
Eventually
According to the most recent figures, there are approximately 1.5 million Christians living in Saudi Arabia, most of whom are from countries such as the Philippines and India. In conclusion, while it is possible to be a Christian in Saudi Arabia, the practice of the faith must be done discreetly and in accordance with the laws of the Kingdom. For those who wish to explore Christianity in Saudi Arabia, there are some resources available, although these must be sought out discreetly and with caution.
๐ต๐ญ โช ๐ฎ๐ณ โ ๐ 1๏ธโฃ ๐ธ๐ฆ ๏ธ ๐ช